Honeymoon Guide
Philippines
Over 7,000 islands, private atolls, and some of Asia's clearest water — the archipelago of dreams.
Why Here for Your Honeymoon
The Philippines is Southeast Asia's best-kept luxury secret. While Thailand and Bali absorb the crowds, Palawan's UNESCO-listed limestone karst bays, Siargao's coconut-grove surf breaks, and Pamalican's Aman private atoll offer some of the most dramatic and pristine island scenery in the world. Amanpulo on Pamalican has the most extraordinary private beach casitas in Asia. Coron's crystal-clear lakes and WWII wreck diving are unique on earth. The Philippines rewards couples who look past the surface.
At a Glance
Is This Right for You?
Philippines for Honeymooners
Perfect for you if…
- 1Couples wanting true private island seclusion — Amanpulo has no day visitors
- 2Diving enthusiasts — Tubbataha Reef is one of the world's top three dive sites
- 3El Nido island-hopping addicts — the most spectacular coastal scenery in Asia
- 4Surfers who want a romantic destination with world-class waves (Siargao)
- 5Those seeking Asia's finest beach luxury at lower prices than the Maldives
Skip it if…
- 1You're visiting June–October — typhoon season makes northern areas risky
- 2Easy travel logistics are a priority — inter-island connections require planning
- 3You want city culture alongside beach time — Manila is best skipped
- 4Budget is under $200/night — the Philippines' best is accessible but not cheap
What to Do
Top 5 Romantic Experiences in Philippines
El Nido Island Hopping Tour C
The Bacuit Archipelago's most spectacular day — Hidden Beach, Secret Lagoon, and the Big Lagoon by bangka through limestone towers rising from an emerald sea. Nothing else in Asia compares.
Start at 6am with a private charter to arrive at Hidden Beach before the flotilla of tour boats. Tours A and C are the two unmissable routes.
Coron WWII Wreck Diving
Coron Bay holds a fleet of Japanese WWII warships at 15–35m, now encrusted with coral and inhabited by enormous grouper. Kogyo Maru and Okikawa Maru are among the world's best wreck dives.
Combine with Kayangan Lake — reputedly the cleanest lake in Asia, with striking limestone walls.
Cloud 9 Surf, Siargao
Asia's most famous reef break — a powerful hollow right-hander that hosts international championships. Beginners learn at Jacking Horse or Stimpy's, not Cloud 9.
September is when Cloud 9 is at its biggest and best. May–June offers great atmosphere without the crowds.
Tubbataha Reef Liveaboard
One of UNESCO's most protected coral systems — accessible only March–June by liveaboard from Puerto Princesa. Sharks, manta rays, and pristine walls untouched by mass tourism.
Book by November for the following year — permits are strictly limited.
Amanpulo Private Island Sunset
Pamalican Island's 40 beach and hillside casitas with butler service and private pools. Sunset on the beach with zero other guests visible is the purest private island fantasy in Asia.
Book the Beach Casita over Hillside for direct sand access. The house reef snorkelling is among the best in the country.
When to Go
Philippines Month by Month
What You'll Pay
Budget Guide for Philippines
Well-designed cottage on a beautiful beach. All-inclusive meal options, snorkelling from shore. Great value for the setting.
Private pool villa on a secluded island. Excellent diving and snorkelling included. Limited guest numbers.
Aman-level private island. Butler, private beach, house reef. The most exclusive in Southeast Asia.
Where to Stay
Areas of Philippines for Honeymooners
Palawan / El Nido
Limestone karst, UNESCO coastlineThe most spectacular coastal scenery in Asia. El Nido is the base for island-hopping through the Bacuit Archipelago. Fly direct from Manila (1h15m). Stay minimum 3 nights.
Siargao
Surf, coconut groves, laid-back romanceAsia's surf capital, increasingly known for its beautiful coconut palm landscape, blue lagoons, and relaxed luxury resorts. General Luna village has excellent restaurants. Fly via Cebu.
Bohol
Chocolate Hills, wildlife, divingFamous for the Chocolate Hills and the world's smallest primate (the tarsier). Panglao Island's beaches are excellent. Fly to Tagbilaran from Manila or Cebu.
Coron
Wreck diving, crystal lakes, remotenessThe most underrated island in the Philippines. Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake diving, and the world's best WWII wreck diving. Fly from Manila (1h15m).
All Hotels
Honeymoon Hotels in Philippines
8 properties · sorted by Honeymoon Score
Amanpulo
philippines, philippines
El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island
philippines, philippines
Dedon Island Resort
philippines, philippines
Nay Palad Hideaway
philippines, philippines
Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa
philippines, philippines
Two Seasons Coron Island Resort & Spa
philippines, philippines
Siargao Bleu Resort & Spa
philippines, philippines
Bohol Beach Club
philippines, philippines
Compare
Top 3 Hotels Side by Side
| Hotel | Score | Price/night | Adults-Only | Spa | Beach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AmanpuloTop Pick | 96 | $1,500+ | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island | 89 | $600+ | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dedon Island Resort | 88 | $800+ | — | ✓ | — |
Expert Advice
Insider Tips for Your Philippines Honeymoon
Avoid Manila — fly directly to your island destination
Manila has little to offer honeymooners. Book direct flights to El Nido via Busuanga, Siargao, or Coron. Cebu is a decent connection hub.
Inter-island flights fill weeks ahead in peak season
AirSwift, Cebu Pacific, and PAL Express flights to El Nido and Siargao are limited. Book all domestic flights before leaving home.
El Nido lagoons at 5:30am are a different world
The Secret Lagoon fills with boats by 10am. Charter a private bangka for an early start and you'll have the limestone bays entirely to yourselves.
ATMs in El Nido run out of cash on weekends
Carry enough cash from Puerto Princesa or Manila. Many island restaurants and boat charters are cash-only.
What to Pack
Packing List for Philippines
Food & Drink
What You'll Eat in Philippines
Kinilaw (Filipino ceviche with fresh tuna in vinegar and calamansi — extraordinary), grilled seafood with garlic rice and sawsawan dipping sauce, lechon (Cebu-style whole roasted pig — the most celebrated dish in the country), sinigang (tamarind sour soup with prawns or pork), fresh buko (young coconut) drunk straight from the shell on the beach.
Practical Guide
Getting to Philippines
Getting There
Fly to Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB). From Europe: 13–16h via Singapore, Hong Kong, or Dubai. From Australia: direct from Sydney to Manila (8h). Domestic connections: Manila to El Nido via Busuanga on AirSwift (1h15m); Manila to Siargao via Cebu (90 min total); Manila to Coron direct (1h15m). Book all domestic legs immediately — they fill fastest.
Where to Stay
El Nido is the flagship — 3–4 nights, consider a 2-night extension to Coron by speedboat or small plane. Siargao for couples who want surf culture with romance — 3–4 nights in General Luna. Amanpulo works as a standalone 4-night island experience. Classic: 4 nights El Nido → 2 nights Coron, or 4 nights El Nido → 3 nights Amanpulo.
When to Go
November through May is the dry season. February–March is the absolute peak for weather, diving, and beach conditions. April is hot but beautiful. Avoid June–October for north Palawan and Siargao — typhoon risk is real. Coron is more sheltered and sometimes accessible year-round.
Map
Hotels in Philippines
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